In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the Esports World Cup 2025, S8UL has announced the signing of Indian chess grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram. 

This marks a significant milestone for S8UL, as it becomes the first Indian esports organization to participate in the chess category at the prestigious tournament. The Esports World Cup, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will feature a $1.5 million prize pool for chess, attracting top players like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura.

S8UL’s entry into the chess segment of the Esports World Cup is part of its broader strategy to expand its presence across multiple gaming titles. The organization has already announced participation in several other games, including Apex Legends, EAFC 25, Tekken 8, and Call of Duty: Warzone. This diverse portfolio positions S8UL as a major player in the global esports scene, with a focus on both traditional esports titles and emerging categories like chess.

Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram are among India’s most accomplished chess players. Their inclusion in S8UL’s lineup brings a level of expertise and competitive edge that is crucial for success in the high-stakes environment of the Esports World Cup. Both players have a strong track record in international competitions and are well-equipped to represent India on the global stage.

The Esports World Cup 2025 promises to be the largest multi-title esports event in history, featuring over 2,000 professional players and 200 top clubs. With a total prize pool exceeding $70 million, the tournament will host multiple games, each with its own independent format and prize pool. The inclusion of chess as a new title reflects the growing recognition of esports beyond traditional gaming genres.

Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL, emphasized the organization’s ambition to make a mark globally. “Our entry into titles like EAFC, Warzone, Apex, Tekken, and Chess is not just participation—it’s a statement. S8UL is going global, and we’re doing it with heart, skill, and intent,” Agarwal stated.

S8UL’s move to sign Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram for the Esports World Cup 2025 underscores its commitment to expanding India’s presence in global esports. As the organization continues to grow its roster across various titles, it is poised to become a leading force in the international esports landscape.

Credit: This article is based on information from Indian Express, AdGully, and UniIndia.

Key Highlights:

1. S8UL has signed Indian chess grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram to compete in the Esports World Cup 2025.
2. This marks S8UL’s first participation in the chess category at the Esports World Cup, with a $1.5 million prize pool.
3. S8UL is also participating in other titles like Apex Legends, EAFC 25, Tekken 8, and Call of Duty: Warzone.
4. The Esports World Cup 2025 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring over 2,000 players and a total prize pool of over $70 million.